BRADENTON, Aug. 17 -- The number that defined Tommy John's career was not 288, though those wins placed him among the most successful left-handers of his generation. It was not the 26 years he spent on major league mounds, a span that bridged two American presidencies and six franchises. The number that mattered was the one Dr. Frank Jobe gave him in the summer of 1974: 100-to-1 odds against ever pitching again.

John died Saturday night at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was 83 years old and had been receiving hospice care.

He had issued his farewell eight days earlier. In his final social media post, written on August 8, he addressed the fans and the franchise he loved most: "I will never forget you. Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my...